My name is Nicholas Clark. I live in Layton, Utah. I ski, ride bikes, run, work (way to much) & spend as much time w/ my family as possible. I am a dork for almost anything that is new. If it is something to do w/ bikes, skis, running or technology I am into it.

In celebration of Specialized's 40th anniversary, the Californian based bicycle company will be auctioning off 74 lugged steel Allez framsets for charity.

In collaboration with Mark DiNucci, one of their original frame builders, Specialized has produced a one time run of 74 frames, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to World Bicycle Relief (WBR).

WBR is a non profit organisation founded in 2005 that distributes bicycles in the developing world to aid poverty relief, and disaster recovery initiatives. Since 2005, WBR has provided more than 195,000 specially designed, and locally assembled Buffalo bicycles to disaster survivors, students, health care workers, and entrepreneurs. Specialized is not the first major brand to partner with WBR, with SRAM, Pedro’s and Cane Creek among others having supported the non-profit organization.

“Keeping with the 40th theme, we will build the 40th Anniversary Allez in the very factory that created the first Stumpjumper, a factory that continues to produce some of the finest handmade bikes in the world,” said Bryant Bainbridge, who was R&D manager for Specialized in the 80s.

To sell the frames, Specialized has partnered with eBay’s Giving Works. The 74 limited edition Allez frames are not a commercial product, and once sold, will never be made again.

Included with the Allez will be a limited edition Merino wool sweater, winter and summer cycling caps, exclusive leather S-Works Toupe saddle with matching leather saddle bag, and matching leather bar tape. It sounds like all 74 framesets will share the same size, but we've received no word on what that size is.

The frameset will then be shipped in its presentation box to the Specialized dealer of the buyers choosing, and will not be opened until it reaches the owners hands.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

I have always liked the way the Giro size large has fit. Yes I need the large, I have a big head. I have worn the Giro Atmos and Pro Lite. Both helmets fit well and were nice and light. But remember I am not a racer and I traded in my carbon race bike for a custom steel frame. And in my opinion the race helmets didn't really match the classic look of bike riding I was going for. So for 2 years I wore the Giro Reverb. Not a tech or light helmet at all, but I like the clean classic style. So when pictures of the Giro Aspect started to service I was interested. A month ago I finally pulled the trigger and got a new helmet, the Giro Aspect. I have now used it for commuting and long saturday rides exclusively. It is is a nice clean looking (non-race) helmet on the outside, but has all the fit and adjustability as the high end race helmet. Good ventilation and the built in brim make the package complete. So far the helmet is exactly what I have wanted. Now Giro needs to make it in a clean white color combination for the hot summer and I will be set.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Being an adult comes with responsibility. Last summer I made the decision to finish a college degree that I start over 10 years ago. What does that have to do with my bicycle? In the spring of 2013 I striped my custom steel frame road bike. With the idea that I was going to upgrade to Campagnolo Record group. Then with job change, purchasing a new house and going back to school. The upgrade never happened. So this meant no bike for me for over a year. This spring I called in every favor I could and came up with everything I needed to hit the road again.

My cockpit remained the same: Enve handlebar, stem, seat post and fork. Shimano has always treated me well, so a new 11 speed Shimano Ultegra group made for a great drive train choice. I would of liked to keep my Enve 3.4 wheel set, but when on a budget I had the guys at Biker's Edge build me a killer pair of HED Ardennes Plus wheel on a DT swiss 350 hubs.